Five years after her death, she awoke on the dragon bed.

Chapter 387 Pervert
Jiqing saw her master's maternal smile, clearly very pleased with the picture album Yunzhong had sent.

He never expected that he would find such a capable female bodyguard instead of just a female bodyguard to monitor the Empress's every move.

The Empress could never have imagined that, behind her back, His Majesty was so infatuated with her.

He was also relieved that His Majesty still had some sense and hadn't acted like a lovesick fool in front of the Empress; otherwise, given the Empress's temperament, she might have been furious...

Recalling how His Majesty had been staring at the Empress a few days ago, he thought that might have been a sign of infatuation.
Even the Empress felt uncomfortable under His Majesty's gaze.

While serving tea to Murong, Jinli secretly glanced at the small picture book. When she saw the lifelike portrait of the Empress in the book, she understood why Yunzhong had gone from being a secret guard who couldn't see the light of day to becoming the Empress's close attendant.

Such talent is truly rare; no wonder His Majesty took a liking to him and sent him to serve the Empress.

Just as Jinli was distracted, she suddenly saw His Majesty put down his memorial and start drawing the Empress. How casual of him!

It can only be said that His Majesty's painting skills are superb. He quickly finished painting the Empress, and His Majesty even asked her for her opinion: "Do you think my painting is better, or Yunzhong's painting is better?"

Without hesitation, Jinli replied, "Of course it's His Majesty! His Majesty knows the Empress best and has captured her essence perfectly in the painting."

Most importantly, the Empress depicted by His Majesty is quite different. Perhaps it is because His Majesty adores the Empress so much, but the Empress he paints seems even more beautiful than the one painted by Yunzhong.

Murong admired the empress in the painting for a while, then had Jinli deliver the portrait to Xianfu Palace.

Lou Suyi was genuinely surprised that Murong had started sending her paintings again. She noticed that the ink wasn't completely dry and asked in astonishment, "Did His Majesty just paint this?"

"That's right. As soon as His Majesty finished painting it, he had me bring it over." As Jinli spoke, she curiously looked at Yunzhong.

Yun Zhong glanced back calmly, her expressionless face befitting her identity as a bodyguard.

Lou Suying fully unrolled the scroll and, upon seeing her own portrait, exclaimed, "I am so beautiful!"

Everyone present couldn't help but laugh, and they all replied in unison, "Her Majesty the Empress is the most beautiful!"

Looking at the Empress and then at the other smiling crowd, Yun Zhong suddenly felt a little lost.

She was a bodyguard, living a life of constant danger. She was someone who lurked in the shadows, and suddenly finding herself in the light was somewhat unsettling.

Lou Suying put away the scroll and looked at Yunzhong again. Seeing that she looked dazed, she smiled and said, "Yunzhong, no matter what you did before, you won't need to be so tense when you serve me from now on."

She asked Yunzhong, who said she used to be a bodyguard.

She thought that Yunzhong might not be used to working at Xianfu Palace.

"This servant understands," Yunzhong replied respectfully.

The koi looked at the clouds, then at the kind Empress, and thought the Empress was a really good person.

She accepted the reward, ate some snacks, and then returned to the Emperor to report.

On the other side, the Cold Palace.

Tao was surprised that Consort Ning had come to visit her again so soon. The Cold Palace was extremely desolate, and only her own bedroom was somewhat clean.

"I've brought some food over for my sister. If she needs anything else, please let me know. Even if I can't come in person, I can have someone bring it to her," Consort Ning said gently.

Tao was grateful to Consort Ning for her timely help and replied repeatedly, "How can one ask for so much in the Cold Palace? It's already a blessing that this criminal woman has been spared. I still want to thank Your Highness for bringing food." Consort Ning smiled and replied, "Sister, there's no need to be so polite with me."

As she spoke, she glanced around at her surroundings, her brow furrowing slightly: "When His Majesty came to visit my sister, did she plead with him to improve the conditions in the Cold Palace?"

"This sinful woman pleaded with His Majesty, but His Majesty ignored her. However, this sinful woman deserves her punishment, and it is normal for His Majesty not to grant it," Tao replied truthfully.

Consort Ning replied, "It concerns my sister's future life in the Cold Palace. Next time His Majesty comes, my sister can beg His Majesty."

Tao smiled bitterly upon hearing this: "His Majesty won't be coming again, will he?"

She was no longer of any use, and the Cold Palace was a filthy place, so why would Murong come to the Cold Palace again?

"Hasn't His Majesty visited the Cold Palace several times? How can you be so sure that His Majesty won't come again?" Consort Ning asked, puzzled.

Tao said softly, "His Majesty came to the Cold Palace before because he had some doubts in his mind..."

Just then, Ziyan brought out tea and presented it to Consort Ning: "Your Highness Consort Ning, please have some tea."

Consort Ning took the teacup and took a sip.

Ziyan took the opportunity to lightly kick Tao Shi. Tao Shi turned to look at Ziyan, who winked at her.

She suddenly remembered that Zi Yan had said that Consort Ning came to the Cold Palace to inquire about the content of her conversation with Murong.

She thought carefully about the conversation between Consort Ning and her earlier. Consort Ning didn't actually say anything, but she took the initiative to mention that Murong had ulterior motives for coming to the Cold Palace.

At that moment, she suddenly became unsure whether Consort Ning's visit to the Cold Palace had ulterior motives.

Seeing Consort Ning's calm demeanor, Lady Tao smiled and said, "This humble woman's tea here is unpalatable; I'm sorry to have troubled Your Highness."

Consort Ning took two more sips before saying, "Every tea has its unique flavor. Although it is bitter and astringent, it still has a sweet aftertaste at the end."

Tao echoed, "Your Majesty's demeanor is far beyond what a criminal like me can compare to."

“Sister, don’t underestimate yourself. In my opinion, you are more worthy of my deep friendship than many of the sisters in the harem.” Consort Ning then chatted with Lady Tao for quite some time.

Afterwards, she got up to take her leave. Tao Shi, wanting to test her, suddenly asked, "Why doesn't Sister ask why Her Majesty, the condemned woman, came to the Cold Palace?"

Consort Ning shook her head: "When I heard you say that His Majesty had ulterior motives for coming to the Cold Palace, I didn't want to hear anymore. After all, it's His Majesty's secret, and the more I know, the more dangerous it is for me. If this gets to His Majesty's ears, I'm afraid he will harm my sister. My sister is doing well in the Cold Palace, so don't overthink it. I'll come to visit her again next time."

Lady Tao nodded and watched Consort Ning leave.

She looked at Ziyan and said, "I told you you were overthinking it. Consort Ning is not the kind of person you think she is."

Zi Yan was also somewhat uncertain, but she still said, "In the end, Your Highness should be more careful and not say things that shouldn't be said. This servant still thinks that Consort Ning is unfathomable, and Your Highness should be wary of her."

Tao felt that Ziyan's words made sense, so she stopped the topic.

Regardless of whether Consort Ning's visit had any ulterior motives, the food did indeed improve her diet.

There were also towels and mattresses sent by Consort Ning. In winter, mattresses were a rare commodity. No one else had ever sent her such daily necessities as Consort Ning. In this respect alone, Consort Ning was better off than others.